THE SET UP: I signed up for a women’s barbell competition a couple of weeks ago. While it’s not until April, I am a little nervous because it’s a new type of competition for me. I’ve been weightlifting for a while, but the idea of going up against other incredibly strong women is a bit nerve-wracking. Fortunately, I have some secret weapons - my team includes two of the strongest women I know, who happen to be friends of mine, and I have the support of my friends and family.
For as long as I can remember, having people I care about watching me perform has given me a sense of peace and a huge ego boost. Whether it was cross country meets in high school, instrumental performances in college, or athletic events now, there is something about having the presence of my friends and family that gives me peace of mind. I think it’s because I know that no matter how I perform, my people will be proud of me. I don’t have to perform well to earn favor or acceptance, so I can just enjoy whatever I’m participating in. The support of my friends and family means the world to me. When I know they stand behind me, no matter what, there is nothing I can’t do.
I’m sure you’ve experienced a situation where having a loved one present brought you peace and comfort. There’s something about having someone next to you that makes everything a little easier. It’s easier to push yourself when you have a partner, when you have the support of someone who loves you whether you hit a home run or strike out.
There’s a story in the Old Testament about three friends who supported each other as they made a huge, life-changing decision. Would they follow the king’s orders or God’s?
Nebuchadnezzar was one of the greatest kings in the ancient Babylonian Empire. One day, it seemed fitting to him to erect a gigantic statue. It’s unclear exactly what the statue represented, but a golden statue towering 90 feet high surely meant something. Whether it was intended to be a divine being or a statue of himself, Nebuchadnezzar decided that everyone must bow and worship the image. Three young, Jewish men – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – made the decision not to bow in worship. As Jews, they followed God’s law, and one of God’s commandments was not to worship any other gods besides Him.
When King Nebuchadnezzar found out about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s decision, he was furious. But they were good men, so he gave them an ultimatum – worship the statue or be burned alive in a furnace. They calmly told him that he didn’t need to give them another chance. They weren’t going to worship his statue. He could burn them if he wanted, but they knew their values and weren’t going to be swayed.
This did not sit well with ol’ Nebby, so he ordered the furnace to be turned up seven times hotter than usual. The furnace was so hot that the soldiers who threw the three men into the fire burned to death.
As Nebuchadnezzar watched on, he shockingly noticed that not only were the three men walking around the furnace, seemingly unharmed but that another person had appeared inside of the furnace as well.
It’s debatable whether the fourth person in the furnace was a pre-image of Jesus or if it was an angel. Regardless, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had a form of God’s presence with them in the furnace. Not only did God rescue them from the fire, but His presence came alongside them! And they had each other. They were each responsible for their own decision, but I’m sure it was easier to make knowing their buddies were standing with them.
Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus’s birth. He would eventually die for our sins on the cross, but what I find most humbling is that Christmas is when the almightly God of the universe put Himself into the form of a man so that He could live life beside us. Christmas is a time to remember the peace we can have knowing that God doesn’t let us do things on our own. His presence is with us, offering us peace and comfort, no matter what we may face.
PASSAGES TO READ: Daniel 3:1-25
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Has there been a time where having your friends supporting you made something easier or more bearable?
How does God’s presence bring peace?
Does knowing Jesus lived a life on earth just like we do bring you peace? Why or why not?
PRAYER IDEA: “God, Your presence is peace. No matter what I am facing, knowing You are always with me gives me strength and confidence. Thank you for the support systems you have placed in my life and the people who bring me peace and comfort by standing beside me. Help me give that same peace to others who might need it. Amen.”